Myopia Management Soft Contact Lenses

Specially designed myopia control soft contact lenses are an evidence-based option that can help slow the rate at which a child’s prescription increases.

At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, we offer advanced myopia management programmes using leading contact lens technologies including:

  • Acuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day
  • MyDay® MiSight
  • Other specialised lenses such as NaturalVue® and Mylo®

Our experienced clinicians work closely with families to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each child.

What is Myopia (Short-Sightedness)?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. Childhood myopia tends to progress as children grow, particularly during school years.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risks of eye disease including:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Myopic maculopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Earlier cataracts

This is why modern eye care focuses not only on correcting vision, but also on slowing myopia progression where possible.

How Myopia Control Contact Lenses Work

Myopia control soft lenses use specially designed optical zones to influence how light focuses on the retina.

While the central portion of the lens provides clear vision, surrounding optical zones create a signal that can help slow the eye’s elongation.

Clinical studies have shown certain myopia control lenses can slow progression by around 50–60% on average in many children.

These lenses are worn during the day and replaced daily, making them simple and hygienic.

Myopia Control Contact Lens Options

Acuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/655b7812fb39bc51bb527477/c213183d-2547-49a9-a2e8-37d1b1efaa18/Abiliti%2B1%2Bday.png?format=1500wAcuvue Abiliti™ 1-Day is one of the newest myopia management lenses available in New Zealand. It has impressive backgound science and the Team at Illume have been utalising this lens since late 2024. It uses ring-shaped optical zones designed to slow myopia progression while maintaining clear vision.

Benefits include:

  • Daily disposable convenience
  • Breathable silicone hydrogel material
  • UV protection built into the lens
  • Designed specifically for children with progressing myopia

MiSight® 1 Day

MyDay MiSight® 1 Day is one of the most widely studied myopia control contact lenses. It uses dual-focus optical zones to help slow eye growth while correcting vision.

MiSight has been shown in clinical studies to:

  • Slow myopia progression in many children
  • Be safe and well tolerated for daily wear
  • Provide clear, stable vision throughout the day

Because it is daily disposable, there is no cleaning or storage required, which simplifies lens care for children and parents.

Other Myopia Control Contact Lens Options

Some children benefit from alternative myopia control lens designs depending on their prescription, eye shape, and visual needs. Other options we may consider include:

NaturalVue® Multifocal

Uses extended depth-of-focus optics designed to slow myopia progression while maintaining good visual performance.

Mylo® Contact Lenses

A newer myopia control lens option designed specifically for children and young adults with progressive myopia.

Our clinicians will discuss these options if they may be more suitable for your child.

Why Parents Choose Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

Many families are surprised to learn that children as young as 7–8 years old can successfully wear contact lenses. For many children, soft lenses offer several advantages:

Clear vision for sports and activities

Contact lenses move with the eye, providing stable vision without glasses slipping or fogging.

Better peripheral vision

Unlike glasses, contact lenses allow a wider field of vision, which can benefit sport and outdoor activities.

Confidence and independence

Some children feel more confident without glasses, particularly during school and sport.

Daily disposable hygiene

Fresh lenses every day mean:

  • No cleaning solutions
  • Reduced risk of deposit build-up
  • Simple routines for children and parents

Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children?

When prescribed and monitored by an experienced optometrist, daily disposable contact lenses are considered very safe for children. Safety depends on:

  • Proper fitting
  • Good hygiene
  • Regular eye examinations
  • Following wear instructions

At Illume Eye Care we:

  • Provide structured training sessions for children and parents
  • Carefully assess whether a child is ready for contact lenses
  • Monitor eye health and prescription changes over time

Research shows that children wearing daily disposable contact lenses often have complication rates similar to or lower than teenagers and adults.

What to Expect at a Myopia Management Consultation

A comprehensive myopia consultation typically includes:

  • Detailed vision assessment
  • Eye health examination including axial length
  • Measurement of myopia progression
  • Corneal measurements and tear film assessment
  • Discussion of lifestyle factors (screen use, outdoor time)

We then discuss the most appropriate treatment options, which may include:

  • Myopia control contact lenses
  • Orthokeratology (overnight lenses)
  • Myopia control spectacle lenses
  • Low-dose atropine drops

Many children benefit from combining treatments depending on their individual risk profile.

Why Choose Illume Eye Care for Myopia Management?

At Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland, we provide advanced myopia management tailored to each child. We're also parents! Our clinic offers:

✔ Experienced clinicians specialising in children’s vision
✔ Access to the latest myopia control technologies
✔ Ongoing monitoring of eye growth and progression
✔ A calm, child-friendly environment
✔ Mandarin-speaking clinicians available for families who prefer consultations in Mandarin

We work closely with parents to ensure children receive the safest and most effective care for their long-term eye health.

Book a Myopia Consultation in Auckland

If your child’s prescription is increasing each year, early intervention may help reduce the risk of high myopia later in life. Book a Myopia Management Consultation at Illume Eye Care to discuss whether myopia control contact lenses may be suitable for your child.

 

 
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Frequently asked questions about Contact Lenses

Do I need a contact lens fitting if I already know my glasses prescription?

Yes. Glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are different. A contact lens fitting assesses:

  • Lens curvature and siameter
  • Eye surface health
  • Tear film stability
  • Lens movement and fit
  • Oxygen requirements

Ordering lenses without professional fitting can increase the risk of discomfort and complications.
What happens during a contact lens fitting?

A comprehensive contact lens assessment includes:

  • Prescription testing
  • Corneal measurements
  • Tear film and dry eye assessment
  • Lifestyle discussion
  • Lens trial fitting
  • Insertion and removal training
  • Aftercare planning

Specialty lenses such as OrthoK or scleral lenses may require advanced imaging and additional follow-up visits.

You can find out more here
How often should contact lenses be checked?

Even if your lenses feel comfortable, regular contact lens reviews are important to monitor:

  • Eye health
  • Corneal oxygenation
  • Tear film quality
  • Lens fit
  • Prescription changes and Vision
  • Early complications

Most patients benefit from annual reviews, though some specialty lens patients require more frequent monitoring.
Are contact lenses safe?

Yes — contact lenses are very safe when fitted properly and worn as advised by your optometrist. Modern contact lenses are highly breathable and designed for comfort and eye health.

The biggest risks usually come from poor hygiene, overwearing lenses, sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear, or using tap water with lenses.

Proper fitting, regular reviews, and good lens care dramatically reduce complications.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Often, yes. Many people assume dry eye means they can’t wear contact lenses, but modern lens materials and personalised management can make contact lenses comfortable again.

At Illume Eye Care, we assess:

  • Tear quality and tear stability
  • Meibomian gland function
  • Inflammation and blepharitis
  • Digital eye strain
  • Lens material compatibility

For many patients, daily disposable lenses, silicone hydrogel lenses, scleral lenses, or orthokeratology lenses may actually improve comfort compared with standard soft lenses.
What are the best contact lenses for dry eyes?

There is no single “best” contact lens for dry eyes — the right option depends on your eyes, tear film, lifestyle, and prescription.

Some patients do best with:

  • Daily disposable lenses
  • Silicone hydrogel lenses
  • Lower water content lenses
  • Specialty scleral lenses
  • Orthokeratology lenses

Comfort is influenced by lens fit, lens design, blinking patterns, environment, and eyelid health — not just the lens brand alone.
Can children wear contact lenses?

Absolutely. Many children successfully wear contact lenses for sport, confidence, convenience, and myopia management.

Children are often excellent contact lens wearers because they:

  • Follow routines well
  • Adapt quickly
  • Enjoy freedom from glasses
  • Can benefit from myopia control technologies

At Illume Eye Care, we commonly fit children with:

  • Myopia management soft lenses
  • Orthokeratology (OrthoK)
  • Daily disposable lenses for sport and activities
What is Orthokeratology (OrthoK)?

Orthokeratology, or OrthoK, uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep.The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses.

While suitable for adults, OrthoK is also one of the most evidence-supported methods for slowing childhood myopia progression.

You can read more on OrthoK here
Is OrthoK safe?

Yes — when properly fitted and monitored, OrthoK has a strong safety profile comparable to many reusable soft contact lenses.

Good hygiene and regular follow-up care are essential. 

We provide detailed training on:

  • Lens insertion and removal
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Safe overnight wear
  • Recognising warning signs of complications
Can contact lenses slow myopia in children?

Yes. Certain contact lenses are specifically designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia) in children.

These include:

  • Orthokeratology lenses
  • Multifocal soft contact lenses
  • Specialty myopia control lens designs including MiSight and Acuvue Abiliti

Slowing myopia progression can help reduce the long-term risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and other eye disease later in life.

You can read more about Myopia Management here
Can I wear contact lenses with astigmatism?

Yes. Modern toric contact lenses can successfully correct most levels of astigmatism and provide excellent vision. 

There are soft toric lenses including daily disposables, rigid lenses, hybrid lenses, and specialty lens designs available depending on your prescription and eye shape.
Can I wear contact lenses if I need reading glasses?

Yes. Multifocal contact lenses can help correct both distance and near vision, reducing the need for reading glasses.

Options may include:

  • Multifocal soft lenses
  • Monovision
  • Multifocal rigid lenses
  • Multifocal OrthoK in some cases

Many patients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond continue wearing contact lenses very successfully.

You can read more about multifocal contact lenses here
Are daily disposable lenses better?

For many patients, daily disposable lenses are the healthiest and most convenient option because you start with a fresh sterile lens each day.

Benefits may include:

  • Superior comfort
  • Reduced allergy symptoms
  • Reduced deposit build-up
  • Lower infection risk
  • No cleaning required
  • Ideal for occasional wear or travel

However, reusable lenses can still be excellent options depending on prescription, dry eye status, and lifestyle.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?

Only if specifically advised by your optometrist.

Most standard soft contact lenses should be removed before sleep.

Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection and inflammation. 

Orthokeratology lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear and are managed differently.
Why do my contact lenses become uncomfortable by the end of the day?

This is extremely common and can happen for many reasons, including:

  • Dry eye disease
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Digital eye strain
  • Poor blinking
  • Allergies
  • Lens deposits
  • Inappropriate lens material
  • Incorrect fit

Many people assume discomfort is “normal,” but often there are solutions available.
What should I do if my contact lenses suddenly become uncomfortable?

Remove the lenses and avoid wearing them again until your eyes have been assessed. Key warning signs of a problem include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Discharge
  • Sudden blurred vision
  • Excessive watering

These symptoms can indicate infection or inflammation and should be reviewed promptly.
Can contact lenses damage my eyes?

Healthy contact lens wear should not damage your eyes when lenses are:

  • Properly fitted
  • Worn correctly
  • Replaced as directed
  • Reviewed regularly

Problems are more likely when lenses are overworn, slept in, poorly cleaned, purchased without professional fitting or with an expired prescription, or worn despite discomfort.
Can I wear contact lenses while using screens all day?

Yes, but screen use can worsen dryness and contact lens discomfort because we blink less while concentrating on screens. Helpful strategies include:

  • Conscious blinking
  • Screen breaks
  • Preservative-free lubricating drops
  • Optimising screen height
  • Managing dry eye disease
  • Choosing appropriate lens materials

Read more on Digital Eye Strain here
Can I swim or shower in contact lenses?

It is best to avoid water exposure while wearing contact lenses. Tap water, pools, spas, lakes, and showers can expose lenses to microorganisms including Acanthamoeba, a rare but serious eye infection risk.
What specialty contact lenses does Illume Eye Care offer?

At Illume Eye Care, we provide a wide range of contact lens options including:

  • Soft contact lenses
  • Daily disposable lenses
  • Multifocal lenses
  • Toric lenses for astigmatism
  • Orthokeratology (OrthoK)
  • Myopia management lenses
  • Rigid gas permeable lenses
  • Keratoconus and irregular cornea lenses
  • Dry eye-friendly specialty lenses

We combine advanced diagnostics with personalised fitting to help patients achieve healthier, more comfortable vision.

Illume Eye Care in Ponsonby, Auckland provides expert contact lens fitting for children, adults, dry eye patients, and complex prescriptions.

Whether you’re completely new to contact lenses or looking for more comfortable options, our team can help you find the right solution for your eyes, lifestyle, and long-term eye health.